Non-Fiction Review: Kawaii Doodle Class by Zainab Khan

Kawaii Doodle Class

by Zainab Khan

144 Pages

Race Point Publishing

Review:  A fun and adorable book on how to draw 75 super cute characters. From food to animals to everyday items, Khan shows readers how to create these characters with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.  This drawing book not only shows you how to copy Khan's creations, but gives you plenty of ideas in how to create your own.  After you read this book and apply the technique's, you will be well on your way to creating your own "kawaii" characters!  Perfect for readers and artists of all ages! 

*A DRC was given for an honest review.

Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

Non-Fiction Review: 3D Printing Projects by DK Publishing

3D Printing Projects

by DK Publishing

Review:  3D Printing Projects is a great resource for public/school libraries and classrooms to create either easy or complex 3D printing projects with students.  You can print everything from toys to stamps to even phone stands!  There are also techniques on smoothing and painting your 3D projects after your print them.  Students will be excited to create their own designs as well! Some of my favorites were the animal phone stands, the treasure box, and the desk caddy! Great reference book for Makerspace projects and the STEAM initiative.

*DRC was given for an honest review.

Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Flame in the Mist

by Renee Ahdieh

393 Pages

Published by G.P. Putman's Sons Books
for Young Readers

Plot: Mariko Hattori is the only daughter of a powerful Samurai leader, and like most young women in feudal Japan she knows her duty.  Against her will, Mariko is engaged to Prince Raiden in a political marriage that will bring honor and more power to her family.  Reluctantly, Mariko agrees to travel to the Emperor's palace where her new life will begin.  But on her journey, Mariko's carriage is attacked and everyone accompanying her is murdered.  Barely escaping, Mariko is convinced that the Black Clan, a ruthless ninja gang, is responsible.  So, instead of finding her way home, she cuts her hair and takes on the persona of a young boy looking to join their ranks.  Once she has infiltrated the clan, Mariko learns more than she bargained for and it makes her question everything she knew about her family and what the Black Clan actually fights for.  To make maters even more complicated, she finds herself falling for one of the clan's most skilled fighters, Okani.  But, the Black Clan's leader and his best fighter are keeping secrets of their own, and it's up to Mariko to find out the truth before she is discovered.  

Review:  Flame in the Mist was so much fun to read from start to finish. I couldn't wait to read this book and it certainly exceeded my expectations.  Set in Feudal Japan, Mariko is the beautiful yet cunning daughter of a powerful samurai lord.  When her carriage is attacked on her way to the Emperor's palace, Mariko wants answers more than she wants to go home.  She disguises herself as a boy and infiltrates the notorious gang of ninja rebels called the Black Clan. Knowing they will kill her if they find out she is a spy, Mariko tries her best to make the Clan's leader to trust her. But, the clan's best fighter, Okani, makes it clear that he doesn't trust her and there is something not quite right.  With her military brother looking for her, Mariko knows her time is short.  But as Mariko spends more and more time with the members of the Black Clan, the more she questions who they really are and what they stand for.  Loved the story and plot twists.  I don't want to reveal too much or what happens - no spoilers here!  Absolutely can not wait for book 2! Recommended for ages 14 and up!

Rating: 5 💖💖💖💖💖

Hiding In Light by Rifqa Bary

Hiding in the Light

by Rifqa Bary

242 pages

Published by Waterbrook

Review: Hiding in the Light is the true story of Rifqa Bary.  Born and raised a Muslim, Rifqa felt there was more to life then being treated unfairly by her family and memorizing prayers of her religion in a language she didn't even understand.  After years of abuse, Rifqa was depressed and ready to give up.  Crying out to God, she asked for answers and for Him to reveal himself or she was ready to end it all.  Rifqa's prayer was answered and found Jesus.  However, her new found love and faith was strictly forbidden by her family and Muslim community.  Even though she tried to keep her conversion a secret, she was eventually found out and confronted by her father.  Fearing for her life, Rifqa sought refuge with Christian friends and connections and ran away from home at 16.  After her decision to leave her family, Rifqa's life was changed forever.  Through legal battles and threats to her life, Rifqa's journey was not an easy one.  But, by faith Rifqa knew the Lord was with her and would keep her safe.  Her story is one of extreme courage, faith, and an inspiration for all.  I was blown away by Rifqa's story and if there is one book you should read this year, it's this one!   

*Received a DRC by publisher for an honest review.

Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖